Why Go?
Just 90 minutes from London, the Itchen Valley in Hampshire has long provided respite from the city, with rolling hills and valleys through which the River Itchen wends its way to the sea. The family-owned Avington Lakes are tucked peacefully into the landscape, offering an idyllic escape for mini-mooners, families, or groups of friends, with accommodation to suit those seeking privacy or parties alike.
Honeymoon Style:
Honeymooners are spoilt for choice with Avington’s 175 acres of sprawling parkland. Those who crave one-on-one time can cosy up in lakeside Clearwaters Cabin, with its private deck and rowing boat, or the Lodge Cabin, with its tranquil garden and riverside setting.
For larger groups, Stillwaters House would be tough to beat— if Don Draper left 1960’s Manhattan and found a penchant for country pursuits, he would feel very comfortable sipping his Old Fashioned while surveying uninterrupted views of the sweeping Hampshire countryside from the floor to ceiling glass windows of this seven-bedroom modern take on 1950’s Italian design.
For a more intimate experience, perfect for honeymooners truly wanting to get away from it all, Avington’s lakeside Shepherd’s Huts come complete with wood-fired hot tubs and private decks. And finally, for those who want to play Lord or Lady of the Manor, luxury apartments in the main house offer original features such as four poster beds, alongside the best of modern luxurious creature comforts.
Set the Scene:
From the moment you catch the first glimpse of the main house shimmering in the distance from the road, Avington feels like the best kind of secret, just waiting to be discovered. Once inside— despite housing a number of properties— the estate is the perfect hideaway, with acres of woodland and lakes to enjoy, both in and on the water, and a picture-postcard perfect view of what an English country estate can offer.
Rooms
The breadth of Avington’s accommodation offering means that rooms range from the sublime (huge, pillowy beds and luxury linens in the Shepherd’s Huts) to the ridiculous (the Elizabethan Suite’s mediaeval courtyard, or Stillwaters House’s double height ceilings, state-of-the-art tech, and private jetty). However, across the board, rooms are sublimely comfortable, with thought-through interiors comprising colour schemes and art that reflects the landscape surrounding the estate, and those beds, ensuring the sweetest dreams.
Food & Drink:
Guests at Avington have the pick of local produce at their fingertips— be it from the estate’s farm shop, which delivers hampers to order, with the pick of local cheeses, chutneys and charcuterie— or from a visit to the estate’s very own pub, The Chestnut Horse, which serves up a range of signature classics, alongside great local ales. We loved the smoked trout from Avington’s own lake, which is one of the finest and oldest trout fisheries in the UK.
Avington can also arrange for a private chef to cook for you, to a menu of your choosing and using the finest local ingredients, as well as wine from nearby vineyards. The dedicated on site team can also help arrange private dining experiences, from a woodland feast, to tea by the river, or a barbecue in your own garden.
The Story:
Avington weaves a tale of grandeur and rich history, and dates back as far as the year 961, when it was originally a priory for the Monks of Saint Swithun, as recorded in the Domesday Book. The estate has hosted kings and courtiers for centuries, and most famously it was the home of King Charles II, who lived here with his mistress, Nell Gwynn, in the mid 17th century, with the house gaining a reputation as the “party palace”.
Privately owned and closed from public view for centuries, the estate now invites guests to experience Avington for themselves, and hopes to reclaim its legacy as a place of peace and pleasure.
Wellness:
From summer 2024, Avington will offer riverside wellness experiences, with an outdoor sauna, and treatments by local well-being partner Wildsmith, alongside yoga, Pilates, meditation and, wild swimming, all in the peaceful surroundings of the lakes.
Eco-Friendly:
Immersed in nature, Avington boasts an active fishery, alongside riverside wellness, and a range of activities and outdoor pursuits. All accommodations have been crafted in seamless harmony with the surrounding wilderness, and re-wilding has already included the planting of 400 trees, alongside acres of wildflowers.
Location:
Avington is located in the South Downs National Park, an ideal starting point for exploring the Hampshire countryside. In nearby Winchester, the ancient capital of England, explore historic streets, unique shops, medieval buildings, and charming cafes. Outdoor enthusiasts can enjoy the South Downs Way, which connects Winchester to Eastbourne and offers walking, biking, and horse-riding routes on the chalk hills.
- Stillwaters House is currently available from £1,750 per night, based on a minimum of two nights.
- Lakeside Cabins are currently available from £250 per night, based on a minimum of two nights.
